Employment & IBD: a guide for employees

If you have Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis – conditions collectively known as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) – you may be concerned about your employment position. You may be employed or looking for a new job. You may be on benefits and are thinking about returning to work. While IBD is a chronic (ongoing) condition, with appropriate treatment it is often possible to remain well for long periods. Many people with IBD are able to work and have successful careers.

This information sheet looks at some of the questions you may have about your possible options and how you may be protected by law. Some of the quotes included are from people with IBD who responded to a 2011 Crohn’s and Colitis UK survey on IBD and employment. Others are responses provided by people with IBD during the review process of this information sheet.